Charlie Melancon | |
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Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries | |
In office January 11, 2016 – December 22, 2016 |
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Governor | John Bel Edwards |
Preceded by | Robert Barham |
Succeeded by | Patrick Banks (interim for Jack Montoucet) |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana's 3rd district |
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In office January 3, 2005 – January 3, 2011 |
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Preceded by | Billy Tauzin |
Succeeded by | Jeff Landry |
Member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from the 60th district |
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In office 1987–1993 |
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Preceded by | Soup Kember |
Succeeded by | Audrey McCain |
Personal details | |
Born |
Charles Joseph Melançon October 3, 1947 Napoleonville, Louisiana, U.S. |
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse(s) | Peachy Clark |
Children | Charles Claire |
Alma mater | University of Louisiana, Lafayette |
Religion | Roman Catholicism |
Charles Joseph "Charlie" Melançon (/məˈlɑːnsɒn/ mə-LAHN-son; born October 3, 1947) is the departing secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. From 2005 to 2011, he was the U.S. Representative for Louisiana's 3rd congressional district. In 2010, he was the unsuccessful Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate seat held by the retiring Republican David Vitter.
Melancon was born in Napoleonville in Assumption Parish, the son of Nicee L. "Brownie" (née Talbot) and Joe Melancon. The grandson and great-grandson of sugar cane farmers, Melançon has spent most of his life in Napoleonville, 50 miles south of Baton Rouge. He owned and operated several small businesses, including two Baskin-Robbins outlets. He also served as head of the American Sugar Cane League.